HAGER CITY – For more than 130 years, Purina has been committed to giving back in its communities and enriching the lives of pets and people. This year, team members from the Hager City factory took part in the company’s 25th annual Purina Cares Day, dedicating a day to volunteering and engaging in community service. 

To assist with local challenges, nearly 60 Purina associates dedicated approximately 300 hours to support several cleanup and organization projects. At Freedom Park in Prescott, volunteers removed weeds, cleared overhanging branches and helped reorganize the basement to make it cleaner and safer for park visitors. At Brown's Field Complex in Hager City, volunteers improved the facility by weeding, clearing branches, sweeping dugouts and trimming fence lines to make the area more welcoming for players, families and visitors. Additionally, volunteers conducted a roadside cleanup along Highway 35 in front of the factory, while remaining associates supported onsite activities at the facility. 

This year's volunteer activities were designed to improve local outdoor spaces so they can be safely enjoyed by all members of the community ahead of summer. Freedom Park is a vibrant green space offering a playground, visitor center, eagle's nest, picnic facilities and scenic river overlooks. Similarly, Brown's Field Complex serves as a community outdoor sports venue hosting youth and amateur baseball games for the region. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Purina volunteers," said Linda Schenk, executive director of the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park. "Thanks to their efforts, our gardens look fantastic and our facilities are thoroughly organized. We deeply appreciate Purina's ongoing support for our center and park."  

Purina Cares Day is one of many ways Purina supports communities where our associates live and work. In 2026, the company is also celebrating 100 years of Dog Chow, a testament to Purina's enduring commitment to pet health and nutrition. The company donates more than $30 million annually in financial and in-kind support to pet-related and community nonprofit organizations across the country. The Purina factory in Hager City employs more than 100 local associates. 

"We are incredibly proud of our team's dedication to improving the outdoor spaces that mean so much to our community," said Robinson Galvao, factory manager at the Hager City Purina factory. "Whether we are cleaning up the local baseball field, organizing at Freedom Park or taking care of our own Adopt-a-Highway stretch, Purina Cares Day is a chance for our associates to show their passion for the places we call home." 

About Purina  

Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. 

Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition. 

Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. 

Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com 

Submitted by Nestlé Purina PetCare